Nunavut disability benefits: programs, amounts and how to apply
Quick summary
Nunavut's Income Assistance Program is a program of last resort for people in financial need. Federal programs, such as the Canada Disability Benefit and the Disability Tax Credit, apply here too. See thefederal programs.
Checked November 3, 2026. Main source: Nunavut: Income Assistance. See all 7 sources.
Start here: Nunavut
You are not behind. These programs exist because costs are real. Here is what is available, in plain words.
Nunavut's Income Assistance Program is a program of last resort for people in financial need.
Income Assistance Program
Help for Nunavut residents aged 18 or older in financial need. People with a disability do not have to meet the Productive Choice requirement, such as schooling, training or work. Applicants must also apply to other programs they may qualify for.
- How to apply: Contact your community Income Assistance Worker to book an appointment. Bring each family member's birth certificate, social insurance number and health care plan number.
- Phone: South Qikiqtani 867-975-6580. North Qikiqtani 867-473-2607. Kivalliq 867-645-5040. Kitikmeot 867-983-4032. Each region also has a toll-free number on the official page.
- The page lists no benefit amounts.
- Official page: Nunavut: Income Assistance
Health and drug coverage
Coverage that comes with the program, or that you can ask about.
- Extended Health Benefits: Nunavut lists extended health benefits for specified conditions and for seniors. Phone to ask what you can get. Phone: 867-645-8029. Official page: Nunavut: Extended Health Benefits.
Housing help
Help with rent and housing costs. Ask whether it can be paid at the same time as your income program.
- Public housing and the Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit: Public housing is run through Local Housing Organizations. The Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit for private-market renters was announced August 27, 2026. Official page: Nunavut: Canada-Nunavut Housing Benefit (Aug. 27, 2026).
Handi-transit (paratransit) and accessible transit
Door-to-door rides for people who cannot use regular buses. You usually apply once and the service confirms who qualifies.
- Iqaluit Transit (private bus): A privately run bus started in March 2026 and full service was set for April 27, 2026. A single ride was $5 for ages 11 to 54 and $4 for elders 55 and older. Children 10 and under rode free. A monthly pass was $189, or $129 for elders. These are launch prices from a news report, so check the live schedule. Official page: Nunatsiaq News: Iqaluit Transit launches (Apr. 1, 2026). Live schedule: bus.iqaluittransit.ca.
Accessible parking permit
Permits are issued by the province or by a named organization.
- Accessible parking permit (Motor Vehicles): Under the Accessible Parking Permit Regulations, the Registrar can grant a permit. You need a statement from a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner that says you need it because of a disability or medical condition, and whether it is permanent or temporary. The regulations set no fee and no length, so ask Motor Vehicles. Official page: Nunavut: Accessible Parking Permit Regulations, R-040-2018.
Free legal help
Legal aid can help if a benefit is refused or cut off. Ask about an appeal.
- Legal Services Board of Nunavut: The board runs legal aid in the territory. Phone: 867-975-6395. Official page: Nunavut: Legal Services Board.
Provincial tax credits and payments
These come through your tax return. File every year, even with no income, so the CRA can work them out.
- Nunavut credits on your return (2025 tax year): Disability amount for yourself: $16,405 (NU428, line 58440). Caregiver amount: up to $5,914. The cost of living tax credit (form NU479) is refundable, and the page lists no dollar figure. Official page: CRA: Nunavut tax information for 2025 (modified Jan. 20, 2026).
Questions to ask the office
We link to the official page for each program. These are the things the pages do not settle, so it helps to ask:
- Your amount.
- Disability-specific items.
Federal programs also apply here
Federal programs are paid by the federal government and are the same in every province and territory. Your provincial office may count some of them as income, so ask how they fit together.
What to say when you phone
- Say who you are and your province: "I am calling to ask about disability support."
- Ask: "What programs could I apply for, and what do I need to bring?"
- Ask: "How does working or saving a little affect my payment?"
- Ask: "What happens to my health and drug coverage?"
- Write down the date, the name of the person and what they said. Ask for it in writing if you can.
Another province or territory
Questions people ask
What disability programs are there in Nunavut?
Income Assistance Program.
How do I apply in Nunavut?
Contact your community Income Assistance Worker to book an appointment. Bring each family member's birth certificate, social insurance number and health care plan number.
Is there handi-transit or an accessible parking permit in Nunavut?
Many places run a door-to-door service for people who cannot use regular transit, and permits are issued by the province or a named group. See the transit and parking sections on this page for the services we found and the numbers to call.
Are there provincial tax credits for people with disabilities in Nunavut?
Yes. The 2025 amounts we found on the CRA page are listed in the tax section of this page. Claim them by filing your return every year.
Do federal benefits apply in my province?
Yes. Federal programs are the same in every province and territory. Ask your provincial office how they are counted.